Dr. Peter Gott: Cholesterol-lowering regime seems to work

Posted: Friday, November 04, 2005

Dr. Peter GottOpinion

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am an occasional reader of your column in my local paper and I noticed with interest the article wherein you responded to a "great-grandmother" age 86 (!), who stated that, although she was in good health, she did have hypertension (treated). She also had a cholesterol level of 223, and her doctor wanted her to take Lipitor, which for several valid reasons you didn't recommend.

I'll be 80 by the end of this month, am likewise in good health and take no drugs of any kind, but did have high cholesterol (over 240, not that many years ago.).

So I chose to follow my usual herbal regimen, which has served me well up to now, by taking an over-the-counter product called Cholest-Off manufactured under the brand name of Nature Made.

With the help of the Senior Circle Association (of which I've been a member for over a year now), which sponsors monthly health-fair exams in the local hospital, I've been able to keep track of my reading for nearly eight months, and by adjusting my diet accordingly have been able to keep my readings between 180 and 220. (Incidentally, my blood pressure is also normal.) Your opinion, please.

DEAR READER: Hey, look, if the treatment is safe and effective, go for it.

I have no comments about your herbal remedy except to say that medical studies have failed to show any positive effects from several herbal preparations, except for omega-3 fish oil capsules. Keep up the good work.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I read your column every day and find it to be very informative and helpful.

I am 74 years old. About two years ago, I suffered from chronic diarrhea. I could not go away from home until after lunch. I also had a combined cholesterol reading of more than 200.

I began taking a four-fiber tablet every day and the diarrhea is under control. I also began eating oatmeal every day for breakfast. My cholesterol is now 160.

To save money, I buy quick oatmeal and the fiber laxative in a store brand. I prepare the oatmeal using a sugar-free sweetener and flavor it with ground cinnamon and dried apples.

DEAR READER: Excellent choice. I'd be surprised if your dietary changes had failed to lower your cholesterol as well as improve your diarrhea.

If your diarrhea persists, check with your doctor.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my health reports, "Understanding Cholesterol" and "Constipation and Diarrhea." Other readers who would like copies should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 per newsletter to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).